Can beets turn stool/diarrhea blood coloured?

Background:I was in the hospital the past couple of days because they thought I might have appendicitis, but ultrasounds and CT scans were normal except some free flluid so they said I had a virus in my intestines (???). I had something similar a year ago when I was in Bolivia, they said it should pass on its own but to report back if things got worse. I had abdominal pain (first on my right said, then moving all over my abdomen, bet especially below and to the right of my belly button), swelling, tenderness, pressure on my bladder, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, low-grade fever. However my bowel movements were completely normal... until now.

I had beet soup (juice and pieces of beet) for dinner, part of my first full meal after two days of no eating/IV. Three hours later I suddenly have diarrhea. It appears bright orangy-red with little chucks of the same colour. Is it blood or just the beets??!!!!

I'm very confused about what is wrong with me and whether this is a serious concern?

[gymdandee]

I'm going to bet it's the beets!! With that said I suggest seeing your doctor
just to play it safe.

[FurballsMom]

I think they can.  They can certainly turn your urine a funny pinkish color.

[anxiety2]

yes beets can change the color of your stool to red